‘South Philly Cheesesteaks’
When you mention Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, many will mention Geno’s Steaks or Pat’s Steaks, aka Pat’s King of Steaks. They even get mentioned by the other networks during major sporting events here in Philadelphia.
Both have become Philly icons when it comes to Philly Cheesesteaks, mostly because they both have been around for a long time, creating a rivalry, and have produced good cheesesteaks for over 4+ decades. It’s like going to Hollywood, California, you want to see the Hollywood sign or the “Walk of Fame” on Hollywood Boulevard. When visiting Philadelphia, this is a stop for many, especially since they are right across the street from each other and not far from the stadiums in South Philly.
The History of Geno’s Steaks
Geno’s Steaks was founded by Joey Vento in 1966, who just passed away on August 23, 2011. <R.I.P. Joey Vento> Joey got into the cheesesteak business through his father, who opened Jim’s Steaks in the early 1940’s. This after Pat’s King of Steaks claiming that they originally created the Philly Cheesesteak in 1933.
At first, it made sense to Joey Vento to name his store Joe’s Steak Place, but there was already one in business. Joey noticed a broken door in the back of his store on which a neighborhood boy by the name of “GINO” had painted his name. He liked the name, but had to improvise because he noticed that there was a regional fast food chain named Gino’s and he didn’t want any confusion. In 1971, when his son was born, Vento named him Geno, and he now works in the family business.
Geno’s Steaks Atmosphere & Experience
As we know, many people have different tastes and preferences regarding Philly Cheesesteaks. One could say that many of the cheesesteak establishments are very good or excellent, but is it easy to name the best?
The difference between Geno’s Steaks, verse Pat’s King of Steaks and other cheesesteak joints is that Geno’s doesn’t chop their steak up, it’s layed in strips. The ingredients are very simple, thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, oven-fresh baked bread and delicately grilled onions. Geno’s also serves pizza steaks and roast pork sandwiches.
When approaching Geno’s Steaks or Pat’s Kings of Steaks, you will generally see a line. Geno’s Steaks has a sign on how to order and wants you to be prepared because the service is fast and they want to keep line moving. Because of this, some have said that Geno’s employees can come across rude. Just be prepared on how to order.
For example, when ordering a cheesesteak, let the cashier know what type of cheese you want (Provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz), and whether or not you want fried onions.
Many locals have this down to a science, that one would say “one wiz with”. This would mean that you would like one cheesesteak with Cheeze Wiz as your choice of cheese and with fried onions. Sounds easy? What would this mean then. “One Provolone without.” Times up…. This would get you a single cheesesteak with provolone cheese and without fried onions.
Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks are well-known all over the country, when someone mentions the City of Philadelphia. Some will say that Geno’s has a sign controversy, because Joey did speak his mind. One has to over-look this and just enjoy a good cheesesteak in Philadelphia.
Location
1219 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Hours
24/7 – 24 hours a day & 7 days a week
Phone
(215) 389-0659
Web Site
Related Articles About Cheese Steaks in Philadelphia
- Campo’s Cheesesteaks
- Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies
- Geno’s Steaks
- Jim’s Steaks
- John’s Roast Pork
- Pat’s King of Steaks
- Tony Luke’s
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